Monday, July 19, 2010

Legacy of Sewing

This weekend our family will celebrate my parent's 50th wedding anniversary. My Mom wanted DD to make a picture board to have on display at the party. As we went through the pictures my Mom pointed out the outfits she made for both of us. Now I remembered most of the clothes she made me when I was older, but I had forgotten the capes and dresses she made when I was little. I thought those who enjoy the vintage designs would enjoy seeing what she created.

We lived in a small two bedroom row home. My mom had her machine set up in a corner of the dinning room. From her sewing nook, she could watch TV and still be part of the family discussions. Every Christmas, she would make outfits for me. I looked forward to seeing what creations she had planned. Some of the clothes she made were sewn on a beautiful treadle machine that she had up-dated with a motor. Her next machine was a Singer. She still has both those machines. Both still work. What a joy it has been to reminisce.
Where did her love of sewing come from? Her mother sewed, crocheted and knitted. I still have sweaters that my Grandmother made. My Mother still has all her mother's knitting needles along with knitting and crocheting instruction booklets. Priceless. Just priceless.
So the legacy marches on. My daughter has already crocheted baby gifts and clothes. Just this summer, she hinted at an interest in sewing her clothes.

Monday, July 5, 2010

Simplicity blouse

This is the latest sewing project. This blouse gave me some trouble. First the back is cut on the bias and when I made a muslin, the back had ripples everywhere. So I searched blogs to see if anyone had made this pattern and had the same issues. After some searching, I found someone had cut the back and front piece on the straight of grain instead of bias. That is what I did.
There are still some fitting issues, but it is wearable. I have received compliments, so I will continue to wear it. Also, I have a purple sweater that looks great with it. If anyone has any advice for this pattern, please let me know.
The fabric was from JoAnn's. It is a poly silky fabric that I starched before sewing to help ease some of the issues of sewing slinky fabric. Some reviewers did not use the facings,but I liked the results using them. I will not make this again which is a shame, because I like the style. I just could not get the fit I wanted.

Saturday, July 3, 2010

Beach time

Well, I have been absent for awhile. There are a few reasons. First, our camera broke. Second, lacrosse season started, school year finished (means grades/report cards/meetings/pack up room). Third, we have been at the beach.
While at the beach my man decided it was time to get a new camera!!! Yea!! So, I will have pictures of sewing and family activities.